The joint investment is intended to address the need for agile combat employment and to accelerate delivery of capabilities to warfighters. The companies said they are combining their expertise to advance the initiatives required to field a next-generation air-refueling system.
Drawing on experience in aircraft design, development and production, along with systems integration and manufacturing capabilities, the partnership sets the stage for development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for the United States and allied forces. The collaboration is also expected to help shape requirements for future aerial logistics architectures.
Planned enhancements include an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom, upgraded communications, improved situational awareness and survivability options, and adaptable mission systems. According to the companies, these upgrades will expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refueling operations and broaden its mission scope in operational environments.
Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said the effort reflects a strategic investment in global air mobility solutions. “Northrop Grumman, together with Embraer, is making strategic investments to address the gap in advanced air mobility solutions globally. We’re listening to our customers, particularly in allied nations who seek greater operational autonomy and efficiency, and we’re exploring new technologies that will increase the versatility of the proven KC-390 platform and deliver that greater operational independence our customers need.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the collaboration brings together two defense industry leaders. “Together, we will leverage the strengths of two leaders in the defense industry, with a focus on developing a boom refueling system for the KC-390 Millennium so that we can bring the right capability to the U.S. Department of War and other allied nations. The KC-390 is an operationally proven and cost-effective platform that could quickly be added to the U.S. Air Force inventory.”
The KC-390 Millennium is described as a multi-mission medium airlift and tanker jet designed to operate in demanding environments. Its capabilities include aerial refueling, agile combat employment and rapid response across a range of mission profiles, with an emphasis on performance, operational flexibility and cost efficiency.
